Thil brings together architectural and local history, art, a route to Niévroz and activities at the municipal lakes. For your stay, you can choose between distinctive architectural details, outdoor activities and local events. The information below offers specific topics to help you plan your trip and highlights different time frames.
Architecture and local history
At the Château de Thil, wooden pillars, majolica tiles on the façade and a distinctive roof shape its appearance. The dovecote tower is also part of the estate’s history: it was one of the outbuildings of the Château de Thil. At Hargé-le-Rideau, a different architectural feature takes centre stage. The greenhouse contains a scale reproduction of the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau at a scale of 1:50. The scale specifies exactly how the reproduction is proportioned to its original. Louis Hargé’s house on Route de Montluel contains several original art brut installations.
The Port de la Riotte in Thil also dates back to the Middle Ages. Another part of the area’s history is linked to the former cable ferry: it has disappeared, once served the Quai dit des Amours and crossed the Canal de Miribel. Two dates should be distinguished in the church’s history. A new church was built from 1881 to 1884; the church’s two bells date from 1890. Georges and Francisque Paccard cast them in Annecy-le-Vieux. The construction period and the bells are thus separate historical details, without needing to assume the name of the church.
Route and lakes
The route from Thil to Niévroz offers a clearly defined option for outdoor activity: it is seven kilometres long, easy, has no climbs and starts at the City Stade de Thil. The route is intended for walkers and runners. The starting point, destination and distance give you clear details to consider when including a walk or run in your travel plans.
The two municipal lakes offer a different focus. They are used for fishing and for observing fauna and flora; the Pêcheurs Thilois look after the site. Fishing is possible year-round and can be enjoyed alone or with family. This brings together two different interests: a specific activity on the water and the observation of wildlife and plants. Part of the commune of Thil also lies in the Miribel-Jonage basin.
Local offerings and events
At Route de Montluel, 01120 Thil, Fraisochamp runs a market and a pick-your-own farm. On Fridays and Saturdays, Fraisochamp offers freshly baked farmhouse bread. If you want to include these offerings in your plans, note the specified days of the week when the bread is available.
La Côtière des Arts holds an arts and cultural event in Thil every year. Around twenty regional artists present paintings, sculptures or literary works. If you want to plan a trip specifically around this event, check the event dates as you plan.
Another annual event is the Nocturne de l’Oignon de Thil, held on the second Saturday in November. All participants receive onion soup at the finish. The Nocturne offers a specific date in November, while fishing at the municipal lakes is possible year-round. The two options offer different considerations when choosing when to travel.
Getting here and finding accommodation
The Colibri Côtière line connects Rillieux Semailles with Thil Quai des Amours. If you plan to use this service for your trip, check the timetable for your travel day. When looking for a holiday rental in Thil, you can first decide what you want your stay to focus on: local history and art, a route for walkers and runners, or the lakes, fishing and nature watching. This lets you tailor your travel plans to your interests instead of trying to squeeze all these different themes into one itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Biziat, Culoz, Chazey-sur-Ain, Villieu-Loyes-Mollon, Villebois, Mijoux, Asnières, Saint-Genis-Pouilly.
For the broader travel overview: Ain.
